BNDES approves R$32.7 million AI funding for VR Software's supermarket management system

Brazil's development bank BNDES approved a R$32.7 million loan to VR Software, a Limeira‑based provider of retail management solutions, under the BNDES Mais Inovação program. The financing will be used to create a cloud‑based ERP platform enhanced with artificial‑intelligence tools for inventory, purchasing, finance, tax and analytics, specifically tailored to the operational needs of small and medium‑sized supermarkets. President Aloizio Mercadante said the project will accelerate digital transformation in the sector and help retailers adapt to the forthcoming consumption‑tax reform. The new system aims to improve stability, reduce stock ruptures and enable independent supermarkets to compete with larger chains.